megan walker

[Vowelguy]

I feel like the major difference with MW and other highly rated recruits is that it seems like she has had very minimal impact on this season.

In 2012-13 I distinctly recall being very worried that the supposedly blockbuster recruiting class amounted to a struggling Stewie and no-shows MoJeff and Tuck.

Mo & Tuck did little notable that regular season.

 

[FlyRyGuy]

You're right, but probably not about Walker.

What do u mean? Went right over my head

 

[Blue Huskie]

What do u mean? Went right over my head

It's just as well.

 

[FlyRyGuy]

There could be a myriad of reasons including the ones you mention. Let's all take a guess, maybe she got caught reading bonehead comments on The Boneyard?


You clearly sound upset! No offense but in your case you should take it to the top! geno.auriemma or 860-486-4756
Please post what you get as Geno is a little bit busy this time of year to respond if we all were to inquire....

This is what happens when you have a passionate fan base like ours. Everything matters to us. Is it rational? Of course not but this is what we do. We are UCONN.
No point in getting perturbed.
We all love Geno but we don’t always agree with his decisions. Of course I’m pissed off that Megan’s on the bench for most of every game.
This is what passionate fan bases do.

 

[Yorkeez4]

I always think it's interesting that posters feel that Geno should lower his standards for this group of players. I would think when a recruit visits it is made very clear to them that you earn your playing time at UConn. I would bet that both the coaching staff and the players send this message. It is true he has only won 11 titles using his philosophies so his style may be flawed. Geno is willing to live with the consequences of his decisions. I think we should do the same.

 

[iri10]

I am also concerned about Megan et al., though I am hoping that I am entirely wrong and she comes back and has a big sophomore leap. I don't mind having egg on my face after taking a bearish line on a player or the quality of the team for any given year. It's one of the benefits of being a glass-half-empty fan - you get to be pleasantly surprised when things work out.

If anything, this thread seems to be evidence in favor of keeping game threads, IMO. Banning game threads doesn't mean that people no longer want to talk about heated issues in the forum. Might as well concentrate more of those thoughts in the logical place. And the chat is friendly enough when times are well, but I'm sure it would get quite heated indeed given the right circumstances. The chat moves problems out of sight, but not out of mind.

 

[Carnac]

Perhaps you should talk to past player such as Bascom, Rizzotti, Lobo, Taurasi, Lou and others about how he did the same exact things to them and worse. Anyone who thinks or says he is pushing present or future players away from UConn hasn't been a Husky fan for very long. The more he sees in a player, the harder he pushes. As Lobo once said on the air, it took her 2 years to stop hating Auriemma. Now look.

Bingo!!! Your comment said everything that needs to be said about Megan not playing. Megan still has a ways to go. She hasn't been here a year yet. She's going down a rocky path that many others have traveled before her. Those that didn't get frustrated and quit, all turned out ok. A year from now, Walker will realize why Geno did what he did. He knows where she needs to be, and will continue to push her until she gets there.

That's why she came here. Geno has said many times that if he didn't push his players to the max, he would fail them as a coach. That is the agreement Geno has with all of his players, to bring out the very best they have in them.

Look at the player Lou is now versus what she was 3 years ago. If Geno had not pushed her and demanded excellence, would she be playing at the level she is today? I think not. Sometimes fans get emotional, and forget that this is not Geno's first rodeo. He knows exactly what he's doing.

Some kids can get where they need to be without Geno's "tough love", others can't. Either way, It's Geno's duty and responsibility to get them there. He can't yield to, or be persuaded by outside sentiments or forces. We also don't know about those private conversations Geno has with a player in his office from time to time, to explain and reinforce the dynamics of the program.

Megan will be OK. Yes, it hard for us to watch her go through this, but we'll all enjoy watching the finished product once Geno and Shea has applied their finishing polish. She going down a road that ALL the greats in UConn lore have traveled. It's almost like a rite of passage. She's tougher than some give her credit for. Megan is going to play and play well between now and the end of the season, but she's got to get to that place first!! Geno's is running out of time. Only two games left. Everyone knows Geno is going to need her. She's got to be ready. Let's all be there, and root like crazy for her when she emerges on the other end. Great post Jordy!!

 

[Charliebball]

 

[UConnCat]

Poor Raoul. He seems so unhappy.

 

[msf22b]

Bascom graduated in 91, Lobo 95.....over 20 years have past. Players and times have changed.....Geno has had unprecedented success; no one is questioning that, but his handling of this freshman class has been troubling IMO.

In 2012-13 I distinctly recall being very worried that the supposedly blockbuster recruiting class amounted to a struggling Stewie and no-shows MoJeff and Tuck.

Mo & Tuck did little notable that regular season.

Hey, guy...have a look at the replay of the ND game that went overtime or was it overtimes...And watch freshman Tuck making a superwoman-like effort to do all she could to virtually singlehandedly win the game...

Yes, there was the Stewie collapse; Geno's harsh public remarks...she's going to have to work it out by herself (paraphrase) and my thought and Moriah's dad's remark that she was ready to fully contribute in her freshman year

Well, it all worked out didn't it.

And that's the essence of the argument...Is the fact that the group won 4 Natty's
erase all the discomfort that we felt during that season and which some of us are fretting about again, this season.

And my answer is: I just don't know.
But I'm not willing, never have, to give Geno a "get out of jail free" card.
I am a great admirer; huge, but that doesn't turn my mind off in a critical sense.

For example; the razzing of Pheesa, during the early season might, just might have been the reason for her modest swoon and seeming diminution of confidence (happily dissipating as the season unfolds). She also seemed just a little less happy out there; especially earlier. Maybe she needed a kinder, gentler approach?

We have a great chance for a 5th Natty in 6 attempts, but is winning everything?

Again, I just don't know.

 

[HoopsFan21]

Poor Raoul. He seems so unhappy.

He should transfer from twitter to another social media site where he'll get more attention.

 

[Mister2]

Given the way Geno answered Justine's question, it was crystal clear that he didn't want to state the reason for MW's benching on TV, but the reason had nothing whatsoever to do with health issues. There are then only two possible explanations: (1) lack of effort/motivation, or (2) lack of attention to or not following instructions from the coaching staff.

For a player of MW's caliber playing on a team of UCONN's pedigree at this time of the season, I refuse to believe (1) could possibly be the reason. That leaves (2) and, if true, is quite serious, especially when we are heading to a critical stretch of the season.

Frankly, I was somewhat startled (and distressed) by the way Geno responded to Justine. Clearly, the issues (whatever they were) surrounding MW, which had been hanging around all season, seemed to be persisting. This team may just be able to scrape by without significant contributions from MW this season if all 5+1 starters stay healthy, but would face enormous challenges next season if MW is still not a central cog in the wheel.

 

[HoopsFan21]

Bingo!!! Your comment said everything that needs to be said about Megan not playing. Megan still has a ways to go. She hasn't been here a year yet. She's going down a rocky path that many others have traveled before her. Those that didn't get frustrated and quit, all turned out ok. A year from now, Walker will realize why Geno did what he did. He knows where she needs to be, and will continue to push her until she gets there.

That's why she came here. Geno has said many times that if he didn't push his players to the max, he would fail them as a coach. That is the agreement Geno has with all of his players, to bring out the very best they have in them.

Look at the player Lou is now versus what she was 3 years ago. If Geno had not pushed her and demanded excellence, would she be playing st the level she is today? Sometimes fans get emotional, and forget that this is not Geno's first rodeo. He knows exactly what he's doing.

We also don't know about those private conversations Geno has with a player in his office from time to time, to explain and reinforce the dynamics of the program. Megan will be ok. She's tougher than some give her credit for. Megan is going to play and play well between now and the end of the season.

I wouldn't use Lou as an example. She eventually replaced KML in the starting line up her freshman year, and was really starting to light it up in the second half of the season. I think a big part of it comes down to body language. Lexi plays two minutes a game and is seen cheering for her teammates and looking in to the game. Some of the other freshmen look like they'd rather be anywhere else than at the game.

 

[baggerbob]

Maybe because she doen't have any clue what her role is or or how many minutes she will play?
Maybe when as the HSNPOY she was told she would play....

Stewie wasn't even told she would play, and in a late game against Baylor played all of 7 minutes her freshman year, and Megan isn't anywhere near Stewie.

 

[Reypl21]

Stewie wasn't even told she would play, and in a late game against Baylor played all of 7 minutes her freshman year, and Megan isn't anywhere near Stewie.

Her worst game was a 7 minute game against No. 1 Baylor that had Griner. Big difference between them and the AAC teams.

 

[Tenspro2002]

Her worst game was a 7 minute game against No. 1 Baylor that had Griner. Big difference between them and the AAC teams.

Bingo.

We're reaching new depths in terms of how little we're getting out of top recruits right off the bat.

Hopefully it doesn't become a trend, or used against us in recruiting.

 

[MilfordHusky]

On the latest Geno Show, Justine asks about possible X factors in March. Geno ponders it and then replies: (1) If Z starts making outside shots and (2) If Megan plays the way she played in a few games this year, we are going to be hard to beat. Meg has been inconsistent for some reason, and Geno is having trouble getting more consistency from her. He wants her to be ready for March.

 

[CL82]

Not knowing the cause or reasoning but if this is one of Geno's lessons, this one could come back to haunt the program. Could!!

Great point! You should email Geno to let him know that!

 

[JS]

Would everyone kindly remember the Boneyard rule against transfer speculation.

There have been a few people who've made this thread very high maintenance because of their persistence in dropping comments that violate this rule.

I don't like even having to bring this up, but we have some short-term posters, especially, who seem not to have bothered to read the rules, pinned at the top of the board.

One such actor, having learned nothing from about 10 consecutive post deletions, has been invited to pursue his agenda elsewhere. We don't have time to waste on such obstinateness.

Thanks, as always, for your cooperation.

 

[augustaTC]

Would everyone kindly remember the Boneyard rule about transfer speculation.

There have been a few people who've made this thread very high maintenance because of their persistence in dropping comments that violate this rule.

One such actor, having learned nothing from about 10 consecutive post deletions, has been invited to pursue his agenda elsewhere. We don't have time to waste on such obstinateness.

Thanks for your cooperation.

Thank you for doing your job. This seemingly never-ending harping about how Geno handles Megan or whoever doesn't play is tedious. How many times does this tune have to get replayed? Maybe someone should just start a "Geno doesn't know how to coach" thread for all the experts to whine on. Jeez!

 

[Shorty Dee]

I have faith that Megan and Mikayla will be alright. It's just taking a minute for them, but I think they will work hard, buy into the system and be amazing.

 

[FridaFriend]

I remember last summer when everyone was speculating that this could be the most talented group of UCONN players ever and how playing time would be difficult to find. I can also remember games last year when Geno said he would really like to 'sit' players who were not playing up to his standard, but he could not. This year he can. I think he needs to give the starters as much playing time together, because of injuries that have interfered with their chemistry and because of a tendency of the starters to lose intensity in the second half. As in the recent past, he needs a Kiah Stokes or a Gabby Williams to come in and provide a spark and provide a rest for each of the starters. This year it is Z. He is spending his time on molding her into the sixth player. I see Geno working very hard with this team, through shin splints, ankle injuries, hip injuries, to teach them how to play excellent ball in every game.

Unlike some others, I never expected the freshmen to play much this year, not with the return of the Core Four and the addition of Azura and Batouly. I'm sure that the freshmen will learn from the excellence of the starters and be encouraged by the progress Crystal has made and be ready next year.

 

[TitleTown]

Doesn’t look good. He’s always been hard on the freshmen but he REALLY seems to have it out for Megan Walker.

I think with Coach Auriemma it is the exact opposite. He wants to get the best out of Walker's talent by any means possible. A player wasting a God given gift and not reaching their full potential is just about the worst thing a coach can see. Coach Auriemma cares so much for Walker that he will not allow her to just coast and get by on her ability like some other coaches might. He is trying to break whatever bad habit Walker has now as a freshman so she can realize her full greatness later.

 

[Mister2]

Everybody should appreciate the fact that at UCONN, just about the worst that could ever happen to a frosh is NOT to get harped on constantly by Geno. A frosh should actually be happy--be ecstatic even--if Geno is on your case and sending you messages, as that means he cares enough about your development as a player to be bothered. Every great player in UCONN history has experienced the "Geno treatment" in one form or another.

If I remember correctly, KLS went through a pretty prolonged low period in her first year, and Stewie provided support. I hope KLS (and other upper classmen) is doing the same to help MW in this difficult period.

 

[Cuango]

Hey, guy...have a look at the replay of the ND game that went overtime or was it overtimes...And watch freshman Tuck making a superwoman-like effort to do all she could to virtually singlehandedly win the game...

Yes, there was the Stewie collapse; Geno's harsh public remarks...she's going to have to work it out by herself (paraphrase) and my thought and Moriah's dad's remark that she was ready to fully contribute in her freshman year

Well, it all worked out didn't it.

And that's the essence of the argument...Is the fact that the group won 4 Natty's
erase all the discomfort that we felt during that season and which some of us are fretting about again, this season.

And my answer is: I just don't know.
But I'm not willing, never have, to give Geno a "get out of jail free" card.
I am a great admirer; huge, but that doesn't turn my mind off in a critical sense.

For example; the razzing of Pheesa, during the early season might, just might have been the reason for her modest swoon and seeming diminution of confidence (happily dissipating as the season unfolds). She also seemed just a little less happy out there; especially earlier. Maybe she needed a kinder, gentler approach?

We have a great chance for a 5th Natty in 6 attempts, but is winning everything?

Again, I just don't know.

It is truly amazing to me that after 11 national titles, people still think they know more than Geno & company about how to handle the playing time of players that they (the posters) have had virtually no contact with, beyond watching them on tv or sometimes from a seat in the arena! Geno has seen these girls every day and knows exactly what they are capable of and is simply not going to settle for less! It is a tough decision, but I am going to have to go with Geno on this one! So glad we have a coach who sticks to his guns and does not compromise on his expectations of excellence, hard work, effort, and commitment to the team!

 

[DaddyChoc]

Perhaps you should talk to past players such as Bascom, Rizzotti, Lobo, Taurasi, Lou and others about how he did the same exact things to them and worse. Anyone who thinks or says he is pushing present or future players away from UConn hasn't been a Husky fan for very long. The more he sees in a player, the harder he pushes. As Lobo once said on the air, it took her 2 years to stop hating Auriemma. Now look.

even Geno knows this... so the pickings become slim as he mentioned recently

 

[Centerstream]

ohhhhhhh I've gotta pretty good idea my friend....it's either practice habits, game habits, eating habits or sleeping habits...you choose....

Maybe they hit Bourbon Street a little too hard????

 

[oldude]

Maybe they hit Bourbon Street a little too hard????

You may be kidding, but the thought has occurred to me that something bad occurred outside of practice, particularly since both MW & Mikayla were benched at the same time. Hard to believe that after 26 games, they both decided independently to tank in practice.

 

[Shenandoah]

Look; let's face it. As UConn fans, we're spoiled. Now that the #1 HS recruit from last year isn't playing as much as WE'D like her to play, WE'RE afraid that last year might happen again, and we might just lose a game.
Relax, folks. This isn't Geno's first rodeo. Megan Walker's light will come on, just as it has for almost every recruit that Geno has brought in.

 

[JustinesGuy]

Bingo.

We're reaching new depths in terms of how little we're getting out of top recruits right off the bat.

Hopefully it doesn't become a trend, or used against us in recruiting.

Certainly is different in the men's game. The boys come in and dominant or come in and contribute